Game Pass Gems: Now Is The Perfect Time To Revisit Resident Evil 7
Image: Capcom

After last night's Resident Evil Showcase, we're all unbelievably pumped for Resident Evil Village. Every showing of that game has done nothing but elevate our excitement levels more and more. It's only a few weeks away now, but every hour is feeling like an eternity. So how are we all going to get through the following month and to the point where the game is in our systems? By using this perfect opportunity to revisit Resident Evil 7 through Xbox Game Pass, of course.

The main reason for this is clearly going to be to refresh yourself from a narrative standpoint, or even just see what all the fuss is about for the first time. The protagonist Ethan is playable in both Resident Evil 7 and Village, with a story that's going to carry over between the two, so recapping on the events before going in is definitely going to be worthwhile.

Resident Evil 7 Xbox 1
Image: Capcom

If you've never dived into the series, then don't worry. Resident Evil 7 operates as a perfect reboot of sorts for the franchise, changing dramatically from a third-person horror to a first-person one. Ethan is a new protagonist, and for the most part, classic Resident Evil characters take a back seat to proceedings. It probably helps to brush up on your Leon Kennedy from your Chris Redfield, but even without that, it's a great introduction that truly sets the tone for what fans love about the series.

In fact, Resident Evil 7 was the first entry that this writer personally got into, and has since encouraged me to check out the terrific Resident Evil 2 Remake and the over-the-top co-op action of Resident Evil 5. Despite the years of lore that have built up the franchise, it feels great to be able to play this entry and be excited to see where the next step will take it. Trailers have suggested all sorts, from werewolves to witches - most of which are yet to make an appearance in the universe. We're sure Resident Evil 7 holds some hints hiding in plain sight for how this has come to be, and replaying ahead of Village's release is going to make those call-backs resonate even further.

Much like older Resident Evil titles, it's also littered with notes and diary entries to find, all of which expand the world and lore. It's been suggested for some time that the events of Resident Evil 7 will play into Village - especially considering its main cast of characters return - but we're also betting those diary entries will hold a lot of clues for where Village's narrative will take us, now that we have some context for what is happening.

Resident Evil 7 Xbox 2
Image: Capcom

If that's not enough, it also helps that it's pretty damn scary - terrifying in fact, but exciting. Previous entries have always managed to dial up the tension, but Resident Evil 7 truly puts you in the shoes of Ethan, as you explore the decrepit mansion of the infected Baker family and come toe-to-toe with its residents. This sense of dread was lost in the last few entries before this, but if you're looking to get back into the mood before Village rears its ugly head, this unpleasant stay with the Bakers will have you yearning for more.

Resident Evil Village is looking to massively expand on what originated in Resident Evil 7, so take this opportunity to return to the semi reboot and spend a weekend or two with the delightfully creepy Baker family. It has some of the scariest level design in gaming, some truly disturbing monster designs, but most importantly, marks a bold new beginning for the franchise. It remains to be seen if the next entry will reach the same dizzying heights, but until then, now is the perfect time to revisit this horror classic.

Will you be playing Resident Evil 7 before Village? Let us know in the comments below.